Reduction of Working Time: Does It Lead to a Healthy Lifestyle?

B-Tier
Journal: Health Economics
Year: 2016
Volume: 25
Issue: 8
Pages: 969-983

Score contribution per author:

2.011 = (α=2.01 / 1 authors) × 1.0x B-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

I examine whether working hours have a causal effect on the health behaviors of workers. In assessing the causal relationship, I estimate fixed‐effects instrumental variable models by using exogenous variation in adopting a reduced workweek in South Korea as an instrument for work hours. The estimation results reveal that shortening work hours induces individuals to exercise regularly and decreases the likelihood of smoking, with more pronounced effects for heavy smokers. While a work‐hour reduction substantially increases the probability of drinking participation, it does not significantly affect the likelihood of frequent or daily drinking habits. In addition, the effect of a work‐hour reduction on regular exercise is salient among women and older groups, and the effect on smoking behaviors is more pronounced among men and middle‐aged groups. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:wly:hlthec:v:25:y:2016:i:8:p:969-983
Journal Field
Health
Author Count
1
Added to Database
2026-01-24